North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song has emphasized the “Regional Development 20X10 Policy” as the top priority for the state, urging officials to dedicate themselves to the initiative. Pak made these remarks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a construction project in Pyongwon County, South Phyongan Province. The policy aims to build modern industrial plants in 20 cities and counties annually over the next decade to bridge the urban-rural gap.
Pak, in a speech at the event, described the policy as crucial for both the party and the state, calling for full commitment to its implementation. He also urged for “patriotic strength and enthusiasm” to ensure that the current year becomes a victorious one for the regional revolution. North Korea has been actively promoting regional development since 2024, with recent efforts focused on various construction projects across the country.
Leader Kim Jong-un has been actively involved in these initiatives, attending groundbreaking events and visiting construction sites to garner public support. The upcoming key party congress in Pyongyang has further heightened the significance of these development projects. The recent election of delegates to the ninth party congress by the central committee of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea indicates that preparations for the event are in their final stages, signaling the congress’s imminent occurrence.
